How to Break a Bad Habit These Six Ways

Some bad habits can be something so small from biting your fingernails to something as serious as overeating – both habits regardless are bad and can sometimes stop us from our full potential. Goalcast got together and wrote another amazing self-improvement blog.

This time we’re going to discuss bad habits, and some tricks you can do to finally break free of those habits. Here are six different ways to break those pesky habits – big or small.

Avoid Your Triggers

There is usually something that triggers your bad habit such as stress, anxiety, boredom, etc.

It’s important to pay attention to how you’re feeling, what happened, or where you’re at when your bad habit is triggered. Knowing what triggers your bad habit is the first step in fixing said bad habit.

Make Your Bad Habits Harder To Do

Some bad habits are small and mindless really. Sometimes you don’t notice you’re engaging it until you’re already halfway through the act. For example – biting your nails.

When I was younger, a bad habit I would struggle with constantly was biting my nails. Often times to make it harder on myself I’d put clear nail polish on so the taste alone would be a reminder to NOT bite them (even when I subconsciously was doing it).

Replace Those Habits

Sometimes replacing an unhealthy tendency with a healthier alternative can prove more useful rather than trying to stop cold turkey.

At least this way you can ease yourself from your bad habit, because let’s face it – kicking a bad habit can sometimes be a struggle. It’s important to remember that we’re human and we make mistakes, but this is a nice way to prevent mistakes from happening.

Solve the Real Problem

As mentioned before, bad habits are often triggered by something else internal. It’s important and crucial for you to not only figure out that internal issue for exterminating your bad habit, but for your overall health and well-being.

Concentrate on the Harm

It’s important to focus on the harm these bad habits could potentially have on you because it hopefully will help drive you away from wanting to do them anymore.

Bad habits are only positive to us in that small moment, rather than long-term.

For instance, let’s say you have a bad habit when it comes to eating junk food, or any other fatty foods like that. It oftentimes tastes delicious and makes you feel happier in that small moment… but in long-term you feel lethargic, you may gain weight – and those things don’t make you feel good.

Being Resilient

Depending on the bad habit you’re trying to kick – it could take a few months or longer even to break said bad habit.

This time frame should not deter you though because we’re all human and setbacks are natural and will happen (especially if they have a stronger hold in your life). Mistakes will happen, but it’s important to always pick yourself up and start over until accomplishing your goal of breaking that habit once and for all.

It’s important with any bad habit to remember that it can always be overcome by your sheer willpower alone.